Symphony’s June 2018 Tour Destination Announced!

We are thrilled to announce Symphony’s June 2018 tour destination! The tour will take students on an unforgettable eleven-day journey through Germany, Poland, and Hungary, starting in Berlin, then traveling to Krakow and through the mountains of Poland to Budapest. This Eastern European tour features iconic historical sites, rich cultural opportunities, beautiful landscapes, and stately architecture.

In Berlin, students will see The Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, remnants of the Berlin Wall, the infamous Reichstag, and The Pergamon Museum. They’ll also have the thrilling opportunity to attend a world-class performance. Next, students will traverse Poland, with performances in Wroclaw, Krakow, and Zakopane. En route students will have the impactful and sobering experience of visiting former Concentration Camps at Auschwitz/Birkenau. Other highlights in Poland include visiting the medieval salt mine at Wieliczka, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and experiencing the High Tatra Mountains and Highlander folk music. The tour concludes in Budapest, situated on the banks of the Danube River and often referred to as the “Paris of the East.” Students will experience Hungarian/Gypsy music and dance and explore Budapest’s major attractions, including Parliament, Hero’s Square, St. Stephen’s Basilica, and the Royal Castle before concluding the tour with their fourth concert. Click here to see a draft of the itinerary.

Led by Artistic Director Mark Russell Smith and Executive Director Megen Balda, the tour will help students gain a better understanding of important historical events and cultural influences that will shape their frame of reference for understanding the world. By providing need-based scholarships, we will do our best to ensure that every interested student can participate in this life-changing experience regardless of their financial circumstances.

When asked about the importance of touring, Maestro Smith said, “Touring plays such an important part in developing new perspectives and cross-cultural connections while inspiring students to heightened levels of performance. With its rich music traditions, important historical sites, and enthusiastic audiences, Eastern Europe will provide students an unforgettable experience.”

Renowned for our rich touring history, GTCYS’ biennial international tours were reinstated in June 2014 when Symphony toured Spain and performed by invitation at the Granada International Festival of Music and Dance. In June 2016, Symphony experienced the fascinating history and culture of Argentina. More than 700 students have participated in GTCYS’ 13 international tours which date back to 1978 when Symphony first performed at The Proms in London.